Guest Blog:- An Inspector Calls - GPHC Inspections

Our Guest Blogger today is Tracy Groves, a committee member and representative of  a contractor in Gateshead.  She was one of the first to be inspected under the new model for GPHC Inspections and below she blogs for us what it was like.

An Inspector calls!

What a morning! The piles of prescriptions were like a Midas pot -never ending. The monthly order arrived and the lovely delivery drivers piled them like the great wall of china the length of the dispensary - no worries though this is what we do, all were busy getting on with the job and hand, multi-tasking and working our way through the busy day ahead.

A woman approached the dispensary, a familiar face, it took a few seconds to register - the pharmacy inspector making an impromptu visit. After the initial shock she joined the party busying herself doing what she needed to do. She explained to us this is one of her first visits using the new inspection model.

The visit was quite different from past inspections. Gone were the checklists and tick boxes, instead it was more about watching what we do and looking at our procedures to ensure we have a safe and efficient pharmacy.

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No longer was I the centre of attention anymore, she watched and chatted to staff, the whole team was considered. 

Although I was shocked to see the inspector, not because of anything to hide but more we want to showcase our pharmacy to its best, to be caught doing what we do best on a really hectic day is obviously more realistic. I think we a fortunate, as well that our inspector is very experienced and supportive and her visits are a fantastic opportunity to improve. 

Please don't be intimidated by the new inspection model, I was quite impressed, and I know (after chatting to other contractors who have been inspected with the new model visit) its an opportunity, not a threat.

If your pharmacy is safe, efficient and takes care of patients well, then you are onto a good start - you just need to have lots of examples at the ready to demonstrate you are doing this and meeting the principles.

In preparation for the visit, read the GPhC handbook / guidance notes and think of examples and situations ready for the visit.  Include our staff in discussions and prepare them for the inspection, as previously they would go quiet when the inspector lands.....now they too are included.  

The GPHC guidance and resources can be found HERE

Our news article gives an overview of the Inspections as well as links to other resources such as documentation, websites and Webinars.  This can be accessed HERE.